Governor Set to Sign Vermont Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

We have this update on the Vermont legislature’s decisions concerning decriminalizing marijuana. It should be noted the bill on its way to the Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin’s desk does not legalize marijuana, just sets what are thought to be more reasonable penalties for possession of smaller amounts. This report from the Washington, D.C. based Marijuana Policy Project:

Vermont decriminalization bill advances to governor’s desk!

The Vermont Legislature has agreed to eliminate the state’s criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and replace them with civil fines. This is a major victory for MPP and its legislative allies in Montpelier, who have worked hard to build support for this sensible reform!

H. 200 has received final approval from the House and Senate and will soon advance to Gov. Shumlin’s desk, where it will receive his signature.

Leading law enforcement officials supported the bill, including Attorney General William Sorrell and Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn. H. 200 passed the House April 16 in a 92-49 vote and was approved 24-6 by the Senate May 7. The House gave its final approval to the Senate’s amendments May 13, sending the bill forward to Gov. Shumlin’s desk.